认识 (rènshi) — to know (a person), to recognize
HSK 3 | verb | to be acquainted with someone; to recognize or identify
认识 (rènshi)
认识 expresses familiarity with a person or the ability to recognize something. It differs from 知道 (zhīdào), which means "to know a fact." 认识 implies direct personal acquaintance or perceptual recognition.
Meanings
- [verb] To know (a person); to be acquainted with.
- [verb] To recognize; to identify (a character, face, or object).
Example Sentences
你认识那个人吗？ Nǐ rènshi nàge rén ma? Do you know that person?
我们是在大学认识的。 Wǒmen shì zài dàxué rènshi de. We met (got to know each other) in university.
他认识很多汉字。 Tā rènshi hěn duō Hànzì. He can recognize many Chinese characters.
很高兴认识你。 Hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ. Nice to meet you. (Literally: Very happy to know you.)
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 认识一个人 | to know / meet a person |
| 认识汉字 | to recognize Chinese characters |
| 很高兴认识你 | nice to meet you |
| 互相认识 | to know each other |
| 重新认识 | to get to know again; to reassess |
Memory Hook
认 contains 言 (speech/words) and 忍 (endure): you have "heard enough words" about someone to form a picture of them. 识 (knowledge) confirms you now hold that picture in mind.